Lao PDR

Improving knowledge of wild meat use and value chains

The SWM Programme is conducting a comprehensive assessment of wild meat value chains in Houaphanh Province to quantify the importance of wild meat to rural diets and income. The Programme assesses local trade routes, networks and distribution channels to understand consumption patterns and drivers. The Programme also investigates critical control points along value chains (from hunting and transport to processing, sale and consumption) where disease transmission risks are highest. A risk assessment will identify high-risk practices and locations, which will be used to analyse how specific practices in the value chain are linked to disease hazards. This information will then be used to make recommendations for risk management measures and communication.

Piloting community-based approaches for disease detection and risk-based surveillance

The SWM Programme is piloting community-based disease surveillance systems in Houaphanh Province, building on existing initiatives to establish early detection mechanisms at the community level and linking them to formal and informal national surveillance networks. These community surveillance efforts connect with national One Health platforms and regional networks to strengthen timely reporting and coordinated responses to potential disease outbreaks.

Strengthening law and policy implementation for sustainable wildlife management and One Health

The SWM Programme is working with the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to assess national legal and institutional frameworks governing wildlife management, health and agriculture to identify regulatory gaps and enforcement challenges. The results of this assessment will be used to discuss potential future areas of reform with the Government. The SWM Programme also supports national One Health governance by assessing national One Health coordination and implementation challenges and supporting the development of a national One Health action plan.